MoIT delegation inspects power projects under adjusted power development plan VIII in Son La

A working delegation from the Ministry of Industry and Trade inspected the implementation of power source and grid projects under the adjusted Power Development Plan VIII at Son La Hydropower Company.

On April 13, a working delegation from the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), led by Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Long, along with representatives from the Electricity Authority, the National Power System and Market Operator Company (NSMO), the Office of the Steering Committee for Energy, Vietnam Electricity (EVN), and relevant units, conducted an inspection of the implementation of power source and grid projects under the adjusted Power Development Plan VIII in Son La province.

Receiving and working with the delegation were Nguyen Thanh Cong, Vice Chairman of the Son La provincial People’s Committee, along with leaders of several provincial departments, sectors, and enterprises.

The delegation inspected the water level at the Son La hydropower reservoir. Photo: DL

According to a report by Son La Hydropower Company, the enterprise is currently managing and operating Son La Hydropower Plant and Lai Chau Hydropower Plant, with a combined capacity of 3,600 MW. In 2025, the company fulfilled and exceeded the technical and economic targets assigned by EVN, ensuring no incidents affecting people or equipment. In addition to electricity generation, all nine generating units of the two plants are regularly operated in frequency and voltage regulation modes to maintain the stability of the power system.

Total electricity output in 2025 reached 14.507 billion kWh, equivalent to 111.94% of the target assigned by the group. Of this, Son La Hydropower Plant generated 9.671 billion kWh, achieving 113.24% of the assigned plan, while Lai Chau Hydropower Plant produced 4.836 billion kWh, reaching 109.42% of its target. Total contributions to the state budget amounted to VND 3,180 billion, including VND 1,324 billion contributed in Son La province.

The report also noted that since the beginning of this year, both plants have been operating safely and stably, with no incidents recorded, while strictly complying with dispatch orders from NSMO. As of April 10, 2026, electricity output at the two plants reached 1,458.7 million kWh and 448.14 million kWh, equivalent to 16.98% and 10.68% of the annual targets assigned by EVN, respectively.

The MoIT delegation inspects and works with Son La Hydropower Plant. Photo: DL

At the working session, Son La Hydropower Company proposed that the MoIT consider directing NSMO to allow maximum operation of hydropower plants in the Da river basin during the flood season to minimize water spillage. The company also suggested reviewing and amending relevant regulations on the power system to establish a legal basis for a basin-wide centralized control model, ensuring unified, safe, and efficient operations. In addition, it proposed supplementing legal provisions on safety, environmental protection, and inland waterway traffic for floating solar power projects on hydropower reservoirs.

Speaking at the session, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Long requested Son La Hydropower Company to strengthen operational discipline across all generating units and project components; strictly comply with all safety and technical regulations, as well as procedures for operation, water regulation, and resource utilization; and closely coordinate with both central and local authorities in disaster prevention and control to ensure safe and efficient plant operations, as well as effective coordination with local authorities and other hydropower plants in the Son La reservoir basin.

Some images of the MoIT delegation’s working visit in Son La province: